North 10 8 2 K 8 6 2 2 J 10 5 4 2 West Q 9 3 Q 10 9 3 A Q 5 4 8 6 East K J 6 A 7 10 9 8 7 6 9 7 3 South A 7 5 4 J 5 4 K J 3 A K Q The bidding: West North East South 3 nil 2 5 West led the 6

When trying to sink a nil bid, it is often critical for the defender on the frontside of the nil to win the eleventh trick.

In the accompanying deal, South played three rounds of clubs, West trumping the third with the queen of spades. The defense played on hearts next, East winning the ace and West taking the next two with the queen and ten. A fourth round of hearts drew North's king, and South trumped.

South cashed the ace of spades, on which the other three players dropped their highest spade, and exited with the diamond king to West's ace. A low diamond was taken by the jack. After ten tricks had been played, these were the remaining cards:

North 8 2 -- -- 2 West 3 -- Q 5 -- East J 6 -- 6 -- South 7 5 -- 3 --

South led the three of diamonds, but West was not to be caught napping. Opening his jaws wide like a crocodile, he played the queen to swallow his partner's six.

This play sunk the nil. West's lead was now immaterial; whatever he played, North's eight of spades was going to take a trick. Had East been forced to win the eleventh trick, North's nil waltzes home.